FIFA cool on Qatar holding 2022 World Cup in extreme heat

FIFA will consider moving the 2022
World Cup in Qatar to the winter if medical reports show extreme summer
temperatures could be hazardous to players' health.

The world governing body has
previously distanced itself from suggestions they could alter the dates,
suggesting Qatar would have to ask for the tournament to be moved.

Under construction: Qatar are busy building rail system, a new airport and a seaport seaport to prepare for 2022 World Cup

But speaking at the International Football Association Board meeting in Edinburgh, general secretary Jerome Valcke yesterday became the first senior FIFA official to admit the governing body's position has changed.

He said: 'Maybe the Fifa Exco [executive committee] will say based on medical reports or whatever: "We really have to look at playing the World Cup not in summer but in winter''.'

Tournament organisers have said that a decision on moving to a winter date would have to be made by 2014 in order to give national leagues time to reorganise their calendars.

But Valcke indicated that could be extended to 2015. 'As long as we've not fixed the international calendar, all alternatives are open,' he said.